The Myths About France I Believed Until I Actually Lived Here

Many people wish to live the French dream, but what’s the reality of moving to France? I’m about to bust a few myths about France and those stereotypes we always think of.

I often get asked, “What is it like living in France? Do you speak fluent French? Are the French lazy and rude? Do they really all wear berets and drink wine all day?” These are just some of the misconceptions and stereotypes I hear regularly.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that taking the plunge and moving to rural France definitely took some getting used to. It wasn’t all bread, cheese, and apéros with the neighbors. There was an adjustment period, and despite having tried both several times, I still don’t like snails or oysters.

But although my life here in France isn’t a constant round of champagne and caviar, it is utterly wonderful. Like anywhere else, it has its ups and downs, but the French attitude towards life is one of the many things I love about being here. All that said, I feel I’m perfectly placed to bust some of the common myths about the French and give you the facts as I’ve found them to be.

Oh là là versus Ooh-la-la

In my nine years living here, I have never heard a single French person say “ooh-la-la.” If you’ve ever watched an old Hollywood film set in Paris, you’ve probably heard the leading lady exclaim “ooh-la-la” while fanning herself with dramatic flair. 

It’s become one of those expressions we automatically associate with French life, like baguettes under the arm, wearing a garland of onions, or accordion music floating through the streets.

But here’s the truth. French people say “oh là là”, not “ooh-la-la”. It’s not a flirtatious or saucy catchphrase. It’s more like a groan of surprise, frustration, or disbelief. 

It is like saying “oh no” or “wow,” depending on the tone. If you spill wine on a white shirt or see your grocery bill after forgetting your loyalty card, that’s when you’ll hear it.

It’s not used to swoon over handsome strangers or silk lingerie. It’s used when someone drops a jar of pickles in the supermarket.

The French Won’t Tolerate Badly Spoken French

There’s this widespread belief that if your French isn’t flawless, you’ll be met with eye-rolls, icy glares, or flat-out ignored. I’ve heard people say they’re too scared to try speaking at all for fear of getting it wrong.

But honestly? Most French people are far more patient than they get credit for. In smaller towns, especially, locals are delighted you’re even trying. Sure, you might get corrected here and there, but it’s usually done kindly, not cruelly. 

My line dancing friends are living proof of this. It’s an all-French class, bar one, so speaking English isn’t an option. They are more than happy to correct my French when I get things wrong, which is most of the time, but it’s done nicely, and usually followed with a giggle because my accent is so bad.

What most French people don’t love is being spoken to in English without so much as a bonjour. A little effort goes a long way. You don’t need perfect grammar or a flawless accent, I’m proof of that. You just need to show respect for the language and be willing to laugh at your mistakes along the way.

The French Don’t Like the English

This myth probably has something to do with centuries of old wars, Eurovision voting patterns, and a few tabloid headlines over the years. There’s this idea that the French eye the English with suspicion or flat-out dislike, especially when it comes to expats moving in and buying up countryside homes.

But in day-to-day life? It’s not something I’ve experienced at all. My French neighbors have been nothing but welcoming. One of my neighbors, Stephane, regularly drops off vegetables from his garden or even the odd jam or soup his mum has made. It’s the same with Madame Dubois in the next village down. She often invites me in for coffee and cake, and even though she doesn’t speak a word of English, and my French is questionable at best, we make it work.

Of course, like anywhere, it helps to respect the culture, try the language, and not act like you’re still in Britain. Most people don’t care where you’re from. They care whether you’re kind, whether you contribute, and whether you make an effort to be part of the community.

The French Are Lazy and Don’t Like To Work

This one pops up a lot, especially when people hear about the 35-hour workweek or see someone taking a long lunch in the middle of the day. There’s a stereotype that the French are always on strike, always on holiday, and generally doing everything they can to avoid actual work.

But the reality is far more nuanced. The French just approach work differently. There’s a strong belief here that life isn’t meant to revolve around your job. Time off is protected, lunches are sacred, and burnout isn’t worn like a badge of honor. That doesn’t mean people aren’t productive; it just means they’ve figured out that rest and balance make people better at their jobs.

And despite what people say, the French workforce is highly skilled and incredibly efficient. You’ll find some of the most impressive artisans, engineers, and small business owners working across the country. They work hard. They just don’t believe work should take over your entire life. And frankly, that’s one stereotype I wish more countries would adopt.

French People Are Always on Strike

This one gets trotted out whenever there’s a rail delay or a headline about protesting farmers blocking roads with tractors. There’s a running joke that the French are either on strike or about to be. It makes it seem like nothing ever runs smoothly and that the whole country is in a constant state of protest.

Yes, strikes happen, and when they do, they tend to be loud, organized, and impossible to ignore. But they’re not a daily occurrence. Most of the time, life rolls on just fine. You still get your morning croissant, the kids go to school, and the trains do actually run.

Striking is part of a long tradition here. People are proud of their right to protest and stand up for their beliefs. It’s not laziness or drama. It’s civic engagement. And while it can be inconvenient, it’s also a sign that people are paying attention and willing to push back when things feel unfair.

The Cost of Living in France Is Exorbitant

This myth usually comes from people who’ve only ever been to Paris or other major cities. Yes, the capital is expensive; rent is high, space is tight, and eating out is expensive. But judging the entire country by Paris is like assuming all of the US is priced like New York City.

Once you step outside the big cities, things look very different. In rural areas and smaller towns, the cost of living is often surprisingly affordable. What you will find is seasonal living. So it will be expensive if you want to get asparagus out of season. But eat fresh produce that’s in season, and it isn’t.

Then you have the wonderful weekly markets. I get all my fruit and vegetables at the market because they taste better. You’re supporting the local artisans, and it’s usually cheaper than the supermarkets. Healthcare, too, is excellent and far cheaper than many expats are used to.

Of course, your lifestyle plays a part. In rural areas, we don’t have takeaways and everything we cook is cooked from scratch, often using herbs from the garden. But if you’re not chasing Michelin stars every weekend or buying imported snacks at specialty stores, life in France isn’t as expensive as you’d think. 

All French People Are Gourmet Chefs

Blame Julia Child, glossy cookbooks, and every food show that pans lovingly over a bubbling coq au vin. There’s this idea that the average French person whips up restaurant-level meals every night, pairing sauces with the right wine like it’s second nature.

But truthfully? Most French kitchens look like everyone else’s. Some people love to cook, and yes, many grow up with a solid understanding of food. But plenty rely on frozen meals, order pizza, or pick up a roast chicken from the supermarket on a busy weeknight. 

What does stand out is the value placed on mealtimes. Food is respected here, even if it’s simple. People take time to eat together, and a modest meal with good conversation beats fancy plating any day. The French might not all be gourmet chefs, but they do know how to make food feel like a moment, and that’s the real magic.

Everyone in France Is Fashionable

Walk into my local SuperU, and that myth will be busted instantly. The fashion sense there leaves a lot to be desired. My favorite are the older French ladies who wear a variety of brightly colored tights that bear no relation at all to the rest of their attire. It’s fabulous. But would I call it fashionable? Definitely not. Fun, yes, fashionable, no.

This one has been stitched into the stereotype for decades. Blame the Paris runways, effortlessly chic actresses, and those social media accounts full of striped shirts and silk scarves. The idea is that every French person looks like they’ve stepped out of a magazine, even to take out the trash.

In reality, most people dress like, well, people. In smaller towns and villages, it’s common to see people in jeans, sneakers, and sweaters that have seen better days. Comfort usually wins over couture, especially in everyday life. You’ll find stylish people, of course, but they’re not everywhere and definitely not dressing up for the boulangerie.

The key difference is that French fashion tends to be understated. It’s more about neutral colors, well-fitting basics, and not overdoing it. But not everyone follows that either. Like anywhere, fashion varies by age, location, lifestyle, and personality. 

The French Are Rude

This one might be the most famous stereotype of all. Many people are convinced that the French are cold, standoffish, or just plain rude. But more often than not, it’s a misunderstanding of cultural differences, not actual bad manners.

The French are formal with strangers. There’s a real emphasis on politeness, but it looks different from what many Americans are used to. For example, not saying bonjour when you enter a shop is considered rude. Once you get that down, you’ll find most people are perfectly friendly. They just aren’t into overly smiley small talk with people they don’t know.

What’s seen as unfriendly is often just directness. The French don’t sugarcoat. They value honesty and don’t feel the need to act cheerful if they’re not. But underneath that, I’ve found plenty of warmth, kindness, and generosity. It just isn’t served with extra whipped cream and a big grin.

Living in France Is Like Being on a Constant Vacation

It’s easy to think life in France is one long postcard. You picture morning markets, sunny cafés, strolls through vineyards, and picture-perfect villages where nothing ever goes wrong. And yes, those moments absolutely exist, but they’re only part of the picture.

Living in France means real life still happens. There are bills to pay, bins to take out, and appointments to book (with plenty of paperwork involved). The charm doesn’t erase everyday chores or the occasional frustration with internet outages and closed shops at lunchtime.

That said, the rhythm of life here can feel slower and more intentional. People make time for long lunches, local events, and just being. So, while it’s not a nonstop holiday, there are plenty of small pleasures woven into the routine.

Hopefully, I’ve helped bust a few myths about France. Life here is at a different pace. I work shorter hours and embrace the fact that not much happens on a Sunday, but it’s still everyday life and not one long holiday.